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James Patterson's award-winning and bestselling Alex Cross series is a combination of police procedural and psychological suspense that readers can't resist.

(45 previous messages)

Katarina Rundgren - 05:09am Apr 17, 2001 PST(#46 of 54)
A stranger is a friend you have yet to meet

Went through two James Patterson last week. Being without both a computer and a phone does wonders for your reading. :-)

"Roses are red"

I don't agree with JuniorMint that it was terrible, but Patterson seems stuck in a pattern when it comes to his Alex Cross books. He is also using some crime novel clichés in these books, having big confrontations with the culprit, only for the mastermind behind it all to be someone else, or the culprit somehow surviving and getting away anyway so he/she can be utilised in another book. (These things doesn't necessarily happen in this book but it's starting to come across as a trend for some writers, Patterson and Cornwell for example.)

Cross is still easy to love but doesn't quite be of his usual sharp mind in this book. He's having some personal problems, one of which is quite heart wrenching but to some extent almost glossed over.

Other than that the plot was quite interesting, I liked the idea of it if not all the twists and turns. Especially didn't like the last twist. I'll go so far as to say that I find it too unbelievable. But I guess that is what will make me read the next Alex Cross book - to find out what that was all about.

"1st to die"

A new set of lead characters, all female, all quite impressive. I like the way they're described and I like that this is a book that deals with investigating, deducting, logic reasoning and some suspense. It also deals with friendship, love, loss and severe illness. I suppose that's all very nice but sometimes I found myself wondering if Patterson feels that writing a good mystery isn't enough, if he's striving to write "great" literature now. [Personally I've always considered mysteries to be great literature but of course that's just me. ;-) ]

Again the plot was quite interesting but succumbing to using some crime novel clichés. I'm hesitant to recommend this book but I know I'll read the next book featuring The Women's Murder Club.

Fran Hinkel - 10:16am Apr 18, 2001 PST(#47 of 54)
You can check out anytime you like...but you can never leave!

Started reading James Patterson after seeing the movie Kiss the Girls, have now read all of his books and am looking forward to new ones coming out. I've enjoyed 1st to Die and Second Chance as much as his Alex Cross books. Was glad to see him doing something besides Alex Cross.

Roses are Red was just another Alex Cross with a different title. Nothing new. He tried to make it new with the cyclical ending but it didn't work for me. It was actually pathetic and not supported at all by the rest of the book. It was a punchless knockout twist. Violets are Blue was absolutely...I wanted to say pathetic but I've used the word already. It was a continuation of Roses are Red and had nothing new to add. His stories are alright, but he just is trying too hard for a twist. Until Roses are Red I was his number one fan and after Violets are Blue I lost a lot of respect. Luckily he was saved because I gave Midnight Club a go and it was excellent.

Just finished reading "The Jester". It was completely unlike any other patterson book. The book was set during the crusades. It was all about Hugh and his struggles to be a free man. I had a hard time putting it down once I picked it up. Definately worth the read.

Newspaper reporter in Arizona looking for Patterson fans to comment for story: I'm writing about fiction "franchises" -- authors so big they don't write all their books. I'm looking for a fan to talk about Patterson's collaborations -- can you tell when he's not writing? Do you mind? Please e-mail me at kerry.lengel@arizonarepublic.com.